Pipe-to-Soil Potentials: Electrodes

The potential difference between a buried pipe and the soil is of considerable
importance, either in investigating the corrosive conditions or
in evaluating the extent of cathodic protection being applied. This quantity
actually is measured by connecting an instrument between the pipe
itself (direct metallic contact) and a special electrode placed in contact
with the soil. This electrode is also called a half cell.
The most common type of electrode in use is that which employs a
metal-to-electrolyte junction consisting of copper in contact with a saturated
solution of copper sulfate; this particular combination is made of
easily available materials and is very stable. Figure 2-1 shows two typical
electrodes. Other types in use are:
1. The hydrogen electrode, used only in laboratory investigations.
2. The calomel electrode, used often in fresh water or saltwater.
3. The lead/lead chloride electrode, frequently employed in studying
the corrosion of lead cable.
4. The silver/silver chloride electrode, used in seawater because it is
not subject to contamination by salt incursion.
5. The pure zinc electrode (in packaged backfill). This is suitable as
a permanently installed reference electrode. (Note: all these listed
electrodes must be corrected to give readings similar to the copper/
copper sulfate half cell.